Gum pain: possible causes and when to see a dentist

Your gum hurts — and the first thought is usually: "it will go away on its own." But gum pain rarely appears out of nowhere, and from it a dentist can quite quickly understand what is happening in your mouth. Let's calmly break down what it may mean and at what point you can no longer put it off.

Gum pain: what it may mean

One of the causes is gum disease. The gums become red, swollen and painful, and bleed. The cause is plaque that accumulates on the teeth: if you do not remove it with a brush and do not clean the spaces between the teeth, it irritates the gum.

The mild form is called gingivitis. It can usually be reversed with daily brushing and regular professional hygiene. If gingivitis is not treated, it progresses to periodontitis: the gum pulls away from the tooth, pockets form that become infected, and the bone and tissues holding the tooth are destroyed. In the worst case, the tooth is lost.

What happens with gum problems:

• blood when brushing teeth, using floss, or biting into something hard — for example, an apple;
• the gum is swollen, red and painful;
• bad breath and an unpleasant taste;
• the gum recedes, teeth become loose or fall out;
• a dental abscess.

Gum pain under and above a tooth when pressing

The gum hurts under a tooth or above a tooth, a finger or brush touches the painful area — this is already a reason to see a doctor: painful and swollen gums are a direct indication for a visit.

The cause may be gum diseases — gingivitis, periodontitis, as well as an abscess as a possible consequence. The doctor distinguishes this precisely during an examination and, if necessary, refers you to a specialist and for an X-ray.

Gum pain when brushing teeth and chewing

This is fairly logical. Bleeding when brushing, when chewing hard food, is a classic symptom of gum inflammation. With chronic gingivitis there is almost no pain, the inflammation is sluggish, and the person learns about it by chance — at a routine check-up. There is periodic bleeding when brushing, bad breath appears, and the interdental papillae become slightly red and swollen.

During an exacerbation the picture is more pronounced: the gum is bright red, swollen, bleeds, and deposits are noticeable on the teeth. Gum inflammation when brushing teeth in this phase is felt quite distinctly.

Gum pain at the last tooth and at the root of a tooth

Pain at the end of the dental arch or at the root of a tooth also requires a dentist's examination: the cause is determined by the doctor. This cannot be distinguished by eye — the doctor examines the teeth and gums and, if necessary, refers you for an X-ray: for example, a panoramic dental X-ray shows what cannot be seen by eye.

Gum pain in a child and during a cold

With children there is a simple rule: if a child has painful, bleeding gums — take them to the dentist. Simple marginal gingivitis most often occurs in childhood and is associated with poor hygiene; children aged 3 to 6 are at risk.

A separate matter is acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. It occurs in young people aged 17–30 with insufficient hygiene, but can also arise against the background of acute respiratory infections, influenza, tonsillitis, or tuberculosis. Symptoms: inflammation of the mucosa, bleeding, bad breath, necrosis of the interdental papillae, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. With colds, gum inflammation can develop — this is a reason to see a dentist.

When to see a dentist

You should see a doctor if the gums bleed when brushing or when eating something hard, if they hurt and are swollen, if there is bad breath. With a child — for the same signs. An urgent appointment is requested when very severe pain and swelling are added to the gum problem, teeth have begun to loosen, ulcers or red spots have appeared in the mouth, as well as swelling in the mouth or on the lip.

And one more thing: check-ups are attended regularly, even when nothing is bothering you. If there has been no check-up for two years — it is time; for children under 18 — once a year.

Gum pain by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 is dialed if the condition is life-threatening (for example, the person feels suddenly and severely unwell, or breathing or consciousness is impaired).

The text is for reference: you cannot diagnose yourself from a description; what exactly hurts in your case is determined by a doctor during an examination.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer